EP4007836B1 - Device for covering a surface comprising discreet locking means - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for covering a surface, which is easy to implement and best meets the requirements of the application concerned. In particular, the present invention relates to a covering device in which the covering comprises a particular projecting fixing element allowing the reversible anchoring of the longitudinal edges of the covering during its deployment, including discrete elements. This greatly facilitates the repair of the protruding element in the event of damage, compared to a continuous bead.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Coatings are applied to surfaces for reasons that depend on the nature of those surfaces. Thus, in the case of a basin such as a swimming pool, the cover can prevent pollution by leaves or animals, can save energy, water and reagents and can or must ensure the safety of people especially children. In a desalination pond or other treatment of a fluid, a cover prevents the dilution of liquid due to rain or excessive evaporation due to heat.

In the case of a sports field such as an outdoor clay or grass tennis court, a cover makes it possible to protect it against bad weather, and in particular intermittent rain. In addition, a vehicle body is covered in particular to ensure the stability of the load in the depression caused by the movement of the vehicle and to protect it against bad weather. Covers are also used as blinds for greenhouses, conservatories or vehicle windows to prevent overheating inside, and as sun protection for patio awnings.

In all cases, what is generally sought is an economical hedging device allowing easy, safe, reproducible and rapid cover and uncovering, requiring a minimum of human intervention and, above all, having a lifespan as long as possible. Many devices for covering a surface have been developed, ranging from basic to more sophisticated models. For example, a first quite basic device used in the case of a swimming pool comprises an inflatable or non-inflatable cover that it is unrolled, extended and fixed manually on the edges of the swimming pool. This type of device is illustrated for example in the documents US6691334 , GB2379163 and FR2652373 . It is clear that here taking into account the handling and the storage, only swimming pools of rather small size are concerned.

1. (a) Dispositifs comprenant un tambour fixé à l'une des extrémités transversales de la surface à protéger. La couverture est déployée par traction, en se déroulant du tambour et est traînée le long de la surface lors de son déploiement et aussi de son retrait. Ceci génère des frictions importantes qui augmentent la force nécessaire aux déploiement et retrait de la couverture, et accélère l'usure de la couverture. Des dispositifs de couverture automatiques sont illustrés notamment dans les documents suivants : US3574979 , GB2199741 , US2005/0097834 , CA2115113 , US2001/0023506 , US5930848 , US400190 ..
2. (b) Dispositifs dans lesquels le tambour motorisé est monté sur un mécanisme de translation longitudinale. Celui-ci déplace le tambour au-dessus de la surface à couvrir ce qui permet littéralement de « poser» la couverture sur la surface, lors de son déploiement, en la déroulant simultanément du tambour pendant son déplacement longitudinal, puis de la soulever, lors de son retrait, en l'enroulant simultanément sur le tambour. La couverture ne glisse donc pas sur la surface ni lors de son déploiement ni lors de son retrait. Des exemples de dispositifs automatiques de ce type sont divulgués par exemple dans les documents suivants: WO2005/026473 , FR2900951 , DE2257231 , FR2893651 , FR2789425 , FR2743502 , EP1719858 .

Many devices use a rotating drum to roll up and store the cover when the surface is uncovered. Devices for covering a surface using a rotating drum can be classified into two categories.

1. (a) Devices comprising a drum fixed to one of the transverse ends of the surface to be protected. The cover is deployed by pulling, unwinding from the drum and is dragged along the surface during its deployment and also when it is withdrawn. This generates significant friction which increases the force required to deploy and withdraw the cover, and accelerates the wear of the cover. Automatic covering devices are illustrated in particular in the following documents: US3574979 , GB2199741 , US2005/0097834 , CA2115113 , US2001/0023506 , US5930848 , US400190 ..
2. (b) Devices in which the motorized drum is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism. This moves the drum above the surface to be covered, which literally allows the cover to be "placed" on the surface, when it is deployed, by simultaneously unrolling it from the drum during its longitudinal movement, then lifting it, when of its withdrawal, simultaneously winding it on the drum. The cover therefore does not slip on the surface either during its deployment or during its removal. Examples of automatic devices of this type are disclosed, for example, in the following documents: WO2005/026473 , FR2900951 , DE2257231 , FR2893651 , FR2789425 , FR2743502 , EP1719858 .

The present invention relates to the devices (b) in which the motorized drum is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism for the advantages they have compared to the devices (a) comprising a drum fixed at one transverse end.

In the present application, the terms "longitudinal" "transverse" and their derivatives refer respectively to the direction of movement of the drum and to the direction of the axis of revolution thereof.

In many applications, it is advantageous to lock the longitudinal edges of the cover as it unfolds. This is particularly interesting in the case of swimming pools, because it makes it possible to prevent people entering the cover from being thrown into the water through a space between the longitudinal edge of the cover and the coping of the swimming pool. Additionally, seal the peripheral contact area between the cover and the longitudinal edges of the surface can prevent the introduction into the pool of dirt, dead leaves and twigs as well as small animals such as mice or snakes. This also opens up the possibility of pressurizing the volume of air between the surface of the water and the lower surface of the cover, in order to inflate it. More sophisticated devices have been proposed making it possible to reversibly fix the longitudinal edges of the cover during its deployment, as in the document FR2803769 which provides a system for fixing the longitudinal edges of the cover made up of sections of grids rising then folding down section by section on the said longitudinal edges of the cover, maintaining these edges inside a gutter as it is unrolled of it. In this design, the longitudinal edges of the cover are pinched without being locked, which provides less security especially in the case of swimming pools.

An advantageous system which simultaneously makes it possible to fix the longitudinal edges of the cover during its deployment and to exert a transverse tensile force thereon to stretch it perfectly has been disclosed in WO2010/010152 , WO2010054960 and in WO2014064138 . In these devices, the longitudinal edges of the cover are provided with a continuous bead or bead which is introduced into the opening oriented upwards of a rail in the form of a U-shaped section profile, with one or two fins partially closing said opening. The bead slipping under a fin and retained in this position by suitable fixing means, makes it possible to firmly fix the longitudinal edges of the cover.

1. (a) deux rails s'étendent le long des cotés longitudinaux et de part et d'autre de la surface à couvrir. Les rails sont constitués d'un profilé ayant une ouverture vers l'extérieur, (i.e., orientée à l'opposé de la surface à couvrir) sur une de ses faces et comprenant une ou deux ailes fermant partiellement de part et d'autre ladite ouverture (s'il n'y a qu'une aile elle est située du côté adjacent à la surface à couvrir) ;
2. (b) les bords longitudinaux de la couverture comprennent chacun au moins un bourrelet continu de préférence sensiblement cylindrique, muni surtout son long d'une bande fixée à au moins une face de la couverture ;
3. (c) des moyens d'engagement permettant d'engager ledit bourrelet continu dans l'ouverture formée par la ou les ailes du rail et de le glisser sous une des ailes et des moyens de fixation pour empêcher que le bourrelet continu puisse sortir de ladite ouverture, de sorte que la couverture soit verrouillée au rail.

The locking systems described in WO2010010152 , WO2010054960 and WO2014064138 include:

1. (a) two rails extend along the longitudinal sides and on either side of the surface to be covered. The rails consist of a profile having an opening towards the outside (ie, oriented opposite the surface to be covered) on one of its faces and comprising one or two wings partially closing on either side of said opening (if there is only one wing, it is located on the side adjacent to the surface to be covered);
2. (b) the longitudinal edges of the cover each comprise at least one continuous bead, preferably substantially cylindrical, provided especially along its length with a band fixed to at least one face of the cover;
3. (c) engaging means making it possible to engage said continuous bead in the opening formed by the flange(s) of the rail and to slide it under one of the flanges and fastening means to prevent the continuous bead from coming out of said opening, so that the cover is locked to the rail.

Such a locking system makes it possible to slide the continuous bead into the opening of the rail and to jam it there, thus resulting in the continuous fixing in said rail of the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover and to maintain by this the cover above of the surface to be covered even in the event of very high mechanical stresses due, for example, to a pressure difference (i.e., overpressure or depression) between the two surfaces of the cover, or to the weight of the cover. In the case of swimming pools, it provides security in the event of access (authorized or not) to the cover. The resistance of the locking system can easily reach a range of 5 to 10 kN/m (500 to 1000 kg/m) which is sufficient for many applications. Depending on the materials used, higher locking strengths can be achieved.

The continuous beads of such a cover are however subjected to very high mechanical stresses, friction, UV exposure and, in the case of swimming pools, exposure to chlorinated vapours. These stresses considerably reduce the life of the continuous beads. As they are sewn, glued and/or welded to the cover in a generally irreversible way, it is not easy, if not impossible, to replace them and the whole cover must therefore be replaced, which has a significant cost and ecological impact. .

It would be interesting to have a locking system as effective as that with continuous beads described above and which it would be possible to repair in the event of wear or breakage. The present invention proposes a cover comprising a projecting element along its longitudinal edges which differs from a continuous bead and which allows both, on the one hand, to firmly lock the longitudinal sides of the cover in the rails during deployment of the cover and to unlock them when it is removed and, on the other hand, to repair or replace them in the event of breakage or wear

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. (a) Une couverture sensiblement rectangulaire ayant deux bords longitudinaux opposés l'un à l'autre et deux bords transversaux opposés l'un à l'autre. Chaque bord longitudinal est muni d'un élément en saillie, s'étendant le long dudit bord.
2. (b) Un tambour de rayon monté à rotation apte à enrouler et dérouler la couverture. Le tambour est monté sur un mécanisme de translation longitudinale le long de rails placés de part et d'autre de ladite surface. Chaque rail est constitué d'un profilé ayant une ouverture sur une de ses faces et orientée à l'opposé de la surface à couvrir, et étant muni d'un élément de verrouillage (6a, 6c). Le mécanisme de translation permet la translation longitudinale du tambour dans une première direction entraînant le déroulement de la couverture et son déploiement au-dessus de la surface à couvrir (3) et dans une seconde direction entraînant l'enroulement de la couverture et son retrait de ladite surface.
3. (c) Une poulie de renvoi est pourvue de chaque côté de la surface à couvrir permettant de guider et positionner ledit élément en saillie de chaque bord longitudinal de la couverture vis-à-vis l'ouverture du rail correspondant lors de la translation dans la première direction du tambour entraînant le déroulement de la couverture,
4. (d) un système de verrouillage continu de l'élément en saillie des bords longitudinaux de la couverture dans l'ouverture desdits rails, permettant, une fois que l'élément en saillie ait été engagé dans l'ouverture, de le verrouiller avec l'élément de verrouillage du rail correspondant au fur et à mesure du déroulement de la couverture et, lors de la translation du tambour dans la seconde direction, de libérer l'élément en saillie en lui permettant de se désenclencher de l'élément de verrouillage au fur et à mesure de l'enroulement de la couverture,

The invention is as defined in the main claim and preferred variants are defined in the dependent claims. The present invention comprises in particular a device for covering a surface comprising the following elements.

1. (a) A substantially rectangular cover having two longitudinal edges opposed to each other and two transverse edges opposed to each other. Each longitudinal edge is provided with a projecting element, extending along said edge.
2. (b) A rotatably mounted spoke drum suitable for winding and unwinding the cover. The drum is mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism along rails placed on either side of said surface. Each rail consists of a profile having an opening on one of its faces and facing away from the surface to be covered, and being provided with a locking element (6a, 6c). The translation mechanism allows the longitudinal translation of the drum in a first direction causing the unwinding of the cover and its deployment above the surface to be covered (3) and in a second direction causing the rolling up of the cover and its withdrawal from said surface.
3. (c) A deflection pulley is provided on each side of the surface to be covered making it possible to guide and position said element projecting from each longitudinal edge of the cover vis-à-vis the opening of the corresponding rail during translation in the first direction of the drum causing the unwinding of the cover,
4. (d) a continuous locking system of the projecting element of the longitudinal edges of the cover in the opening of said rails, allowing, once the projecting element has been engaged in the opening, to lock it with the locking element of the corresponding rail as the cover is unrolled and, during the translation of the drum in the second direction, to release the protruding element by allowing it to disengage from the locking element at the as the cover rolls up,

According to the present invention, the projecting element of each longitudinal edge of the cover comprises a multitude of discrete elements distributed along each longitudinal edge. The discrete elements have an average length (L) and are arranged side by side along the corresponding longitudinal edge, separated from each other by an average distance (d) greater than or equal to 0 and is preferably less than L, forming protrusion units of average length (Lu = L + d), where the average length (L) and distance (d) are measured parallel to the rails (6) when the cover is deployed. The average length (Lu) of protrusion units does not exceed 2π R/N, where N ≥ 10 is a real number. Finally, each discrete element has a mechanical bending stiffness at least twice that of the cover.

• ∘ une portion alignée en continu avec la surface de la couverture et fixée au bord longitudinal correspondant de la couverture, et
• ∘ une portion transverse formant le crochet, s'étendant transversalement par rapport à la portion alignée ; le crochet est configuré pour s'accrocher à l'aile.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the locking element comprises a wing partially closing the side of the opening of each rail adjacent to the surface to be covered. Each discrete element forms a hook having an "L" or "J" profile, having

• ∘ a portion aligned continuously with the surface of the cover and attached to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover, and
• ∘ a transverse portion forming the hook, extending transversely with respect to the aligned portion; the hook is configured to hook onto the wing.

In another preferred variant of the invention, the locking element comprises one or more magnets positioned in the opening of each rail. Each discrete element comprises at least one ferromagnetic portion configured to face and be attracted by one or more of the magnets when a discrete element is introduced into the opening of said rails. Alternatively, the discrete elements can comprise a magnetized portion, and the rails can comprise a ferromagnetic portion attracted by the magnetized portion of the discrete elements.

In another preferred variant of the invention, the locking element comprises a wing partially closing the side of the opening of each rail opposite to the surface to be covered. Each discrete element includes a protrusion extending away from the cover and in alignment with the cover. The protrusion is configured to slip under the wing when a discrete element is introduced into the opening of said rails.

In another preferred variant of the invention, the locking element and the discrete elements form a snap-fit assembly system comprising a protrusion snapping into a depression when a discrete element is introduced into the opening of said rails.

• lors de la translation du tambour dans la première direction, à se déposer au fur et à mesure du déroulement de la couverture dans l'ouverture du rail correspondant une fois que les éléments discrets aient été engagés dans l'ouverture de ce dernier et ainsi de les y coincer et,
• lors de la translation du tambour dans la deuxième direction, à se retirer de ladite ouverture, libérant ainsi les éléments discrets et leur permettant de se désenclencher du rail correspondant au fur et à mesure de l'enroulement de la couverture.

The locking system preferably comprises two flexible straps, each being able,

• during the translation of the drum in the first direction, to be deposited as the cover unrolls in the opening of the corresponding rail once the discrete elements have been engaged in the opening of the latter and so on pin them there and,
• during the translation of the drum in the second direction, to withdraw from said opening, thus releasing the discrete elements and allowing them to disengage from the corresponding rail as the cover is rolled up.

• une roue d'entraînement dont l'axe de rotation est parallèle à celui dudit tambour ;
• au moins une roulette avale et une roulette amont reposant sur les rails ou sur une surface adjacente aux rails, et permettant la translation longitudinale du chariot, et étant montées la première en aval et la seconde en amont de la roue d'entraînement dans la première direction de déplacement, et constituant avec celle-ci un triangle dont la roue d'entraînement forme un sommet supérieur.

In a variant of the invention, the translation mechanism preferably comprises a carriage mounted on the rails and transversely overhanging the surface to be covered and supporting the drum comprising at each of its ends:

• a drive wheel whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of said drum;
• at least one downstream roller and one upstream roller resting on the rails or on a surface adjacent to the rails, and allowing the longitudinal translation of the carriage, and being mounted the first downstream and the second upstream of the drive wheel in the first direction of movement, and forming with it a triangle whose drive wheel forms an upper vertex.

• elles sont disposées dans l'ouverture des rails dans les sections latérales comprises entre un point de fixation et la roulette la plus proche dudit point de fixation, et verrouillant ainsi les éléments discrets introduits dans l'ouverture dans la section latérale comprenant la roulette avale,
• elles coiffent sans glissement la roue d'entraînement dans la section centrale comprise entre les deux roulettes.

In this variant, the downstream wheel and the upstream wheel preferably rest on the corresponding rail. The translation mechanism may preferably comprise two flexible belts fixed only at each of their ends to the four corners of the surface to be covered and extend along the longitudinal edges of the surface to be covered in the following manner:

• they are arranged in the opening of the rails in the lateral sections between a fixing point and the roller closest to said fixing point, and thus locking the discrete elements introduced into the opening in the lateral section comprising the downstream roller,
• they cap without slipping the drive wheel in the central section between the two rollers.

• deux courroies flexibles comprenant une face intérieure et une face extérieure séparée de la face intérieure par une épaisseur des courroies, les faces intérieure et extérieure de chaque courroie flexible étant chacune crantée, la surface intérieure de chaque courroie flexible coiffant sans glissement les roulettes amont et avale ainsi que la roue d'entraînement et
• deux crémaillères disposées le long des bords longitudinaux et parallèles à, de préférence dans l'ouverture de chaque rail ; la surface extérieure d'une portion de chacune des courroies flexibles comprise entre la roulette avale et la roulette amont correspondantes s'engrène dans la crémaillère correspondante.

Alternatively, the translation mechanism comprises:

• two flexible belts comprising an inner face and an outer face separated from the inner face by a thickness of the belts, the inner and outer faces of each flexible belt each being notched, the inner surface of each flexible belt covering the upstream and downstream rollers without slipping as well as the drive wheel and
• two racks arranged along the longitudinal edges and parallel to, preferably in the opening of each rail; the outer surface of a portion of each of the flexible belts between the corresponding downstream roller and the upstream roller engages in the corresponding rack.

The device of the present invention preferably comprises an engagement shoe of the projecting element, inserted slidably in each rail, upstream of the return pulleys in the first direction of translation. The engagement shoe is configured to bring the protruding element into contact with the locking element of the corresponding rail and thereby to lock the protruding element in the opening of the rail.

• un bassin rempli ou non d'un liquide tel qu'une piscine, un bassin de rétention, de traitement ou de désalinisation des eaux ;
• un terrain de sports, tel un terrain de tennis ou de cricket ;
• une caisse de véhicule,
• une surface vitrée telle une serre, un jardin d'hiver ou une fenêtre de véhicule.

The covering device of the present invention is particularly suitable for covering a surface selected from:

• a basin whether or not filled with a liquid such as a swimming pool, a retention, water treatment or desalination basin;
• a sports ground, such as a tennis or cricket ground;
• a vehicle body,
• a glass surface such as a greenhouse, a winter garden or a vehicle window.

1. (a) le tambour se trouve à une extrémité amont de la surface à couvrir, avec un bord transversal de la couverture étant fixé à cette extrémité transversale amont de la surface et le reste de la couverture étant enroulé autour du tambour,
2. (b) déplacer le tambour dans une première direction au-dessus de la surface à couvrir le long des rails, et ainsi dérouler du tambour la couverture qui se déploie sur la portion de surface en amont du tambour et, en même temps, guider et maintenir l'élément en saillie de chaque bord longitudinal de la couverture vis-à-vis de l'ouverture du rail correspondant au fur et à mesure que le tambour avance,
3. (c) mettre en contact l'élément en saillie avec l'élément de verrouillage dans l'ouverture du rail et verrouiller l'élément en saillie au rail.

A surface can be covered by a cover using a cover device as previously described by the following steps:

1. (a) the drum is at an upstream end of the surface to be covered, with a transverse edge of the blanket being attached to that upstream transverse end of the surface and the remainder of the blanket being wrapped around the drum,
2. (b) moving the drum in a first direction above the surface to be covered along the rails, and thus unrolling from the drum the cover which unfolds on the surface portion upstream of the drum and, at the same time, guiding and maintain the projecting element of each longitudinal edge of the cover vis-à-vis the opening of the corresponding rail as the drum advances,
3. (c) contacting the protruding element with the locking element in the opening of the rail and locking the protruding element to the rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

• Fig.1 vue d'ensemble en perspective d'une surface avec un tambour en position telle qu'une partie amont de la surface seulement est recouverte par une couverture, (a) une première variante, (b) une seconde variante et (c) détail des moyens de déplacements de la variante de la Figure 1(b).
• Fig.2 vues d'un élément en saillie comprenant des éléments discrets selon l'invention, (a) en position déployée et (b) partiellement enroulée autour d'un tambour.
• Fig.3 différentes variantes (a) à (g) d'éléments discrets selon l'invention.
• Fig.4 mécanisme de verrouillage d'un élément discret dans l'ouverture d'un rail selon une première variante de l'invention, (a) introduction de l'élément discret dans l'ouverture du rail, (b) en position verrouillée et (c) vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage.
• Fig.5 mécanisme de verrouillage d'un élément discret dans l'ouverture d'un rail selon une seconde variante de l'invention, (a) introduction de l'élément discret dans l'ouverture du rail, (b) en position verrouillée et (c) vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage.
• Fig.6 mécanisme de verrouillage d'un élément discret dans l'ouverture d'un rail selon une troisième variante de l'invention, (a) introduction de l'élément discret dans l'ouverture du rail, (b) en position verrouillée et (c) vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage.
• Fig.7 mécanisme de verrouillage d'un élément discret dans l'ouverture d'un rail selon une quatrième variante de l'invention, (a) introduction de l'élément discret dans l'ouverture du rail, (b) en position verrouillée et (c) vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage.
• Fig.8 mécanisme de verrouillage d'un élément discret dans l'ouverture d'un rail selon une cinquième variante de l'invention, (a) introduction de l'élément discret dans l'ouverture du rail, (b) en position verrouillée et (c) vue en perspective du dispositif de verrouillage.
• Fig.9 pignon de renvoi de la couverture, (a) première variante, (b) deuxième variante.
• Fig.10 mécanisme de translation comprenant une courroie selon, d'une part, (a) la variante de la Figure 1(a) et, d'autre part, (b) selon la variante de la Figure 1(b)&(c).

These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings of the figures, in which:

• Fig.1 overall perspective view of a surface with a drum in position such that an upstream part of the surface only is covered by a cover, (a) a first variant, (b) a second variant and (c) detail of the means of travel of the variant of the Figure 1(b) .
• Fig.2 views of a protruding element comprising discrete elements according to the invention, (a) in the deployed position and (b) partially rolled up around a drum.
• Fig.3 different variants (a) to (g) of discrete elements according to the invention.
• Fig.4 locking mechanism of a discrete element in the opening of a rail according to a first variant of the invention, (a) introduction of the discrete element into the opening of the rail, (b) in the locked position and (c ) perspective view of the locking device.
• Fig.5 locking mechanism of a discrete element in the opening of a rail according to a second variant of the invention, (a) introduction of the discrete element into the opening of the rail, (b) in the locked position and (c ) perspective view of the locking device.
• Fig.6 locking mechanism of a discrete element in the opening of a rail according to a third variant of the invention, (a) introduction of the discrete element into the opening of the rail, (b) in the locked position and (c ) perspective view of the locking device.
• Fig.7 locking mechanism of a discrete element in the opening of a rail according to a fourth variant of the invention, (a) introduction of the discrete element into the opening of the rail, (b) in the locked position and (c ) perspective view of the locking device.
• Fig.8 locking mechanism of a discrete element in the opening of a rail according to a fifth variant of the invention, (a) introduction of the discrete element into the opening of the rail, (b) in the locked position and (c ) perspective view of the locking device.
• Fig.9 cover return gear, (a) first variant, (b) second variant.
• Fig.10 translation mechanism comprising a belt according to, on the one hand, (a) the variant of the Figure 1(a) and, on the other hand, (b) according to the variant of the Figure 1(b) &(vs).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

As depicted at Figure 1 , the automatic device (1) for covering (1) a surface (3) according to the invention comprises a cover (10) intended to protect said surface (3). The device (1) makes it possible in particular to cover surfaces defined by the outline of a water basin such as a swimming pool, water treatment basin, wastewater treatment plant, retention basin, desalination etc. However, the invention can be implemented in any field requiring the covering of a surface, such as for example a clay or grass tennis court, a vehicle body, a glazed surface of a greenhouse, a vehicle window such as train or bus, or winter garden, etc. In general, therefore, in the present application, the term “surface” means any zone delimited by a perimeter.

The device (1) comprises a substantially rectangular cover having two longitudinal edges opposite each other and two transverse edges opposite each other, each longitudinal edge being provided with an element (12, 12d) projection, extending along said edge,

A first transverse edge of the cover is fixed to a drum (2) of radius R which has a length at least equal to the width of the transverse edges of the cover (10), the latter having to have transverse and longitudinal edges of width and of sufficient length, respectively, to cover the entire surface to be protected (3) when deployed. The drum (2) is mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the transverse edges of the cover. It is thus mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism along rails (6) placed on either side of said surface (3) and each consisting of a profile having a opening (14) on one of its faces and facing away from the surface to be covered, and being provided with a locking element (6a, 6c).

The device (1) comprises a fixing system located at an upstream transverse end of the surface to be covered and making it possible to fix the second transverse edge of the covering to the upstream transverse end of the surface to be covered (3). Any type of known fastening system and suitable for the criteria of constraints, safety and, where appropriate, sealing, depending on the application can be used for this purpose. For example, the fastening system may comprise a plurality of straps secured to the second transverse edge of the cover (10), said straps being for example provided with anchoring hooks which are fixed to the upstream transverse end of the contour delimiting the surface to cover (3). Alternatively, the second transverse edge of the cover can be fitted with eyelets which are fixed to the upstream transverse end of the surface by means of a series of studs, screws, a cable or any other way. Another variant is to wedge the transverse edge of the cover under a plate of length corresponding to the width of the cover is fixed to the surface by screws passing through the cover. These anchoring means and others too numerous to be mentioned all, keep the upstream transverse end of the cover (10) immobilized.

The translation mechanism allows the longitudinal translation of the drum (2) in a first direction causing the unwinding of the cover by rotation in a first direction of the drum around its axis and the deployment of the cover above the surface to be covered ( 3) and in a second direction causing the rolling up of the cover by rotation in a second direction of the drum and its removal from said surface (3).

The first direction of translation allows the drum to move away from the upstream transverse end of the surface and to unroll the cover (10) to deploy it and cover the surface to be protected (3). The rotation in the first direction of the drum is made possible by the movement of the drum which exerts traction on the cover, the second transverse edge of which is fixed to the upstream transverse end. The drum includes a resilient means such as a spiral spring which is tensioned by rotation of the drum in the first direction of rotation.

The second direction of translation allows the drum to approach the upstream transverse end of the surface and roll up the cover (10) to remove it and uncover the surface (3). The rotation in the second direction of the drum is made possible by the expansion of the resilient means such as a spiral spring which expands and causes the rotation of the drum in the second direction of rotation.

A deflection pulley (13) shown in Figures 9(a) & 9(b) provided on each side of the surface to be covered makes it possible to guide and position the projecting elements (12, 12d) of the edges longitudinal lengths of the cover vis-à-vis the opening (14) of the corresponding rail (6) during the translation in the first direction of the drum causing the unwinding of the cover,

The cover can be made of any material suitable for the application in question: synthetic or natural textile materials, polymeric films, polymer, metal or wooden slats, etc. It can be transparent, opaque or translucent and can form a barrier to fluids or on the contrary be porous, or even include meshes such as in a net. For example, for applications of swimming pools or water treatment basins or the like, it is advantageous if the cover includes drainage holes thus allowing rainwater not to accumulate on the cover and thus avoiding the formation of water pockets on the surface of the cover.

The device comprises a continuous locking system of the protruding element (12, 12d) of the longitudinal edges of the cover (10) in the opening (14) of said rails (6). This locking system makes it possible, once the projecting element has been engaged in the opening (14), to lock it with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the corresponding rail as the the cover (10). During the translation of the drum in the second direction, the locking system is configured to release the projecting element by allowing it to disengage from the locking element (6a, 6c) as it is wound blanket around the drum,
As shown in Figure 2(a) and 2(b) , the projecting element (12) placed along the two longitudinal edges of the cover is formed by a multitude of discrete elements (12d) distributed along each longitudinal edge. The discrete elements (12d) have an average length (L) and are arranged side by side along the corresponding longitudinal edge, separated from each other by an average distance (d) greater than or equal to 0 and preferably less than L. A distance d<L makes it possible to prevent discrete elements (12d) of the cover wound around the drum from interposing between two discrete elements of an adjacent layer of winding around the drum. This problem can occur particularly if the discrete elements are mounted so as to be able to pivot around the longitudinal edge of the cover or if they include hooks which can catch on an adjacent layer of winding. A discrete element and a space separating it from an adjacent discrete element together form a protrusion unit of average length, Lu = L + d, where the average length L and distance d are measured parallel to the rails (6) when the cover is deployed. The discrete elements have a mechanical bending stiffness greater than that of the cover, in particular at least twice greater than that of the cover, preferably at least ten times greater than that of the cover. In order to allow optimal winding around the drum, the average length Lu of the protrusion units does not exceed 2 n R / N, in which N ≥ 10 is a real number. A length Lu = 2 π R / N corresponds to N units of protrusion surrounding the drum of radius R, at the first round of winding of the cover around the drum. The example shown in Figure 2(b) has length Lu = 2π R/N, with N ≃ 16, since 16 protrusion units surround and contact the drum of radius R.

In a specific case, the distance between two discrete elements (12d) can be zero (d = 0) and the discrete elements can contact each other while being able to pivot relative to each other, like a chain of bicycle. This solution can be interesting in specific applications, but it increases the weight of the cover, and the rigidity of the longitudinal edges in a way that is not necessarily desirable. In most cases, therefore, it is preferred that d > 0.

An advantage of using discrete elements (12d) rather than a continuous bead to lock the longitudinal edges of the cover in the corresponding rails is that in the event of breakage or wear of a part of the projecting element, that - this can be easily replaced and the cover can be used again, whereas it would not have been easy to repair a continuous bead presenting a damaged section.

Several variants of discrete elements (12d) (see Figure 3(a) to 3(g) ) and locking elements (6a, 6c) can be implemented in the present invention. The discrete elements include an aligned portion fixed to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover and a locking portion configured to interact with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the rails. The aligned portion of the discrete elements (12d) can be fixed by gluing, welding, sewing, screwing, riveting, clipping, etc. A reversible fastening means such as screwing or clipping is preferred, in order to facilitate the change of a damaged discrete element (12d). However, even irreversible fixing means, such as gluing, welding, riveting, can allow a discrete element to be changed by cutting out a portion of the longitudinal edge surrounding the discrete element and replacing the removed portion with a new covering portion or by a crown supported by the discrete elements adjacent to the withdrawn discrete element. The discrete elements can be attached to the longitudinal edges of the cover rigidly or, alternatively, pivotable. For example, the longitudinal edges can include a bead around which each discrete element can hook so as to be able to pivot, as illustrated for example in the Figures 3(a), 3(b), 3(d) to 3(g) , 4(c), 5(c) , 7(c) .

The discrete elements of the element protruding from the longitudinal edges are guided towards the opening (14) of the corresponding rails by known means. For example, as illustrated in Figures 4(a) to 8(a) , the discrete elements must be guided above the opening by exerting traction on the cover in the transverse direction. Such tension transverse is made possible, for example by means of applying a transverse tension to the cover. As depicted in the Figures 10(a) and 10(b) , such means preferably comprise two tensor bearings (15) separated from each other by a distance greater than the thickness of the cover and less than the thickness of the projecting element (12, 12d) in order to apply transverse tension to the blanket.

The guiding of the discrete elements in the opening is made possible by the substantially cylindrical deflection pulley (13) rotatably mounted along an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the cover on each side of the drum. The Figure 9(a) illustrates an example of a return pulley (13) formed by a pulley mounted on an axis parallel to the axis of the drum. The cover (10) partially envelops the return pulley which pushes the projecting element away from the surface to be covered, in order to keep it plumb with the opening (14) of the corresponding rails. The Figure 9(b) illustrates another example of a return pulley, comprising a distal end (13d), remote from the surface to be covered, and a proximal end (13p), adjacent to said surface; the latter being similar to the pulley of the Figure 9(a) . The cover partially envelops the proximal end of the deflection pulley (13) in order to change orientation, so that the projecting element (12) and, in particular, the discrete elements (12d) protrude beyond the end proximal (13p) of the return pulley. The distal end (13d) has a smaller diameter than the proximal end, preferably configured to contact the discrete elements (12p). The distal end (13d) thus makes it possible to align the discrete elements before their introduction into the opening (14) of the corresponding rails. This is particularly advantageous when the discrete elements are fixed to the longitudinal edges so as to be able to pivot. If the system includes two tensioning bearings (15), these are placed between the return pulley (13) and the drum, in order to position the projecting element of the cover beyond the return pulley or, if necessary, beyond its proximal end, when it reaches the return pulley (13).

In some cases, it may be advantageous to provide an interlocking shoe (50) (see Figure 10(a) ) which would be inserted sliding in each rail, upstream of the return pulleys (13) in the first direction. The engagement shoe (50) is configured to bring the protruding element into contact with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the corresponding rail (6) and thus to lock the protruding element in the opening of the rail. Examples of a pad for engaging a bead under a wing (6a) of a rail are described for example in WO2017130053 , the concept of which can be easily adapted to discrete elements according to the present invention, depending on their geometry. An interlocking shoe (50) also cleans or pushes away any debris that may have entered the opening of the rail, downstream of a point of introduction of the discrete elements into the opening of the corresponding rail.

Once introduced into the opening (14) of the corresponding rail, the discrete elements must be locked in order to ensure stability of the cover covering the surface. The longitudinal edges are locked in the corresponding rails by interaction of the discrete elements with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the rails. In certain variants, the locking takes place simply by releasing the transverse traction applied to the cover by the return pulleys (13) and optionally by the tensor bearings, allowing the locking of the locking portion of the discrete elements in the element locking (6a, 6c) of the rails. In other variants, the locking takes place by introducing a locking element external to the rails, such as flexible belts (31), which can be used both to activate the translation of the drum and to lock the discrete elements in the opening of the rails.

In a variant, illustrated in Figure 4 , the locking element comprises a wing (6a) partially closing the side of the opening (14) of each rail (6) adjacent to the surface to be covered. Each discrete element (12d) forms a hook, as illustrated in Figures 3(c) to 3(e) , having an "L" or preferably "j" profile. The profile comprises a portion continuously aligned with the surface of the cover and fixed to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover as described above, and a transverse portion forming the hook, extending transversely with respect to the aligned portion.

The hook is configured to cling to the wing (6a) of the corresponding rail once the transverse tension applied to the cover by the return pulleys (13) is released (see Figures 4(b) and 4(c) ). In the case where the transverse portion of the discrete elements (12d) forming the hook comprises a reference, as illustrated in the Figures 3(c) and 3(e) , locking is ensured. In the case of an "L" profile, as shown in Figure 3(d) , the angle between the aligned portion and the transverse portion may be slightly less than 90° in order to ensure anchoring with the rail. In the case of an “L” profile with an angle of 90°, the locking can be reinforced by an external locking element like a harpoon.

In the variant illustrated in Figures 5(a) to 5(c) , the discrete elements have an “L” profile forming an angle of 90° between the aligned and transverse portions. The rail locking element is simply formed by a wall normal to the surface to be covered. In order to reinforce the locking level of such a configuration, the locking system further comprises two flexible belts (31). As shown in Figures 5(b) and 5(c) , each belt is capable, during the translation of the drum in the first direction, of being deposited as the cover (10) unrolls in the opening (14) of the corresponding rail once the discrete elements (12d ) have been engaged in the opening and thus jam them there. During the translation of the drum in the second direction, each belt is able to withdraw from said opening (14), thus freeing the discrete elements and their allowing it to be disengaged from the corresponding rail as the cover is rolled up. This variant is particularly suitable for use with a translation mechanism as illustrated in Figures 1(a) and 10(a) and described below, comprising two flexible belts (31) fixed only at each of their ends (35) to the four corners of the surface to be covered and extending along the longitudinal edges of the surface to be covered and capping a wheel of coaching. Indeed, the flexible belts (31) can then combine several functions: (a) allow the translation of the drum, as described below, (b) lock the discrete "L" elements, and (c) close the opening (14) over the entire length of the surface to be covered excluding the portion (31b) between the upstream and downstream rollers (33am, 33av).

In the variant illustrated in Figures 6(a) to 6(c) , the locking element comprises one or more magnets (6c) positioned in the opening of each rail (6) which is closed by a transverse wall, preferably normal to the surface to be covered, on the side of the rails adjacent to the surface to cover and discrete items. Each discrete element (12d), includes at least one ferromagnetic portion configured to face and be attracted to one or more magnets. As illustrated at Figure 3(b) , the geometry of the discrete elements is not particularly limited, except that it must have a sufficiently large surface configured to interact with the magnets and must of course project in order to rest on a wall of the opening of the rail. Of course, the magnets can also be arranged on one face of the discrete elements assigned to the bottom of the metallic and ferromagnetic rails. In this variant, it is more difficult to accurately control the position of contact between the magnet of each discrete element with a precise zone of the rail, if the latter is entirely made up of a ferromagnetic material. The attraction between the magnets and the ferromagnetic material makes it possible to prevent the discrete elements, pressed against the transverse wall by the transverse tension of the rails applied to the cover, from coming out of the opening of the rail.

In the variant illustrated in Figures 7(a) to 7(c) , the locking element and the discrete elements form a snap-fit system comprising a resilient protrusion snapping into a depression by elastic deformation when a discrete element (12d) is inserted into the opening (14) of said rails (6). For example, as shown in Figure 7(b) &7(c) the rail locking element (6) may comprise a wing (6a) partially closing the side of the opening (14) of each rail (6) opposite the surface to be covered and a resilient element -par example, in the form of a bead wedged under the wing (6a) - and protruding beyond the wing forming a resilient protrusion extending into the opening (14) in a direction towards the surface (3) to be covered. Each discrete element (12d) includes a concave cavity as shown in Figure 3(f) , extending parallel to the longitudinal edge of the cover over a surface of the discrete element when inserted into the rail opening (14) (6) matching. By forcing a discrete element (12d) into the opening (14) the discrete element contacts a surface of the bead forming the protrusion and deforms it until the discrete element reaches its position and the boudin can find its initial geometry by being lodged in the cavity of the discrete element.

It is clear that a snap-lock system may also include a resilient protrusion on one face of each discrete element opposite the cover, as shown in Figure 3(g) , snapping into a cavity in the form of a groove along a surface of the opening and forming the locking element of the rail.

The disengagement of the discrete elements from the opening of the corresponding rail is done simply by pulling the cover during the displacement of the drum in the second direction, elastically deforming the resilient protrusion and thus forcing the exit of the discrete elements (12d) out of the 'opening.

In the variant illustrated in Figures 8(a) to 8(c) , the locking element comprises a wing (6a) partially closing the side of the opening (14) of each rail (6) opposite to the surface to be covered. Each discrete element (12d) includes a protrusion (12p) extending away from the cover (10) and in alignment with the cover (10), as shown in Figure 3(a) . The protrusion is configured to slip under the wing (6a) when a discrete element (12d) is introduced into the opening (14) of said rails (6). As shown in Figure 8(a) , the discrete elements (12d) are introduced into the opening (14) forming an angle with the cover and with the wing (6a) in order to introduce the protrusion under the wing and then, as illustrated in Figures 8(b) and 8(c) , the discrete elements can be inserted into the opening, well wedged resting on a wall of the opening, with the protrusion placed under the wing (6a). To remove the discrete elements, move them slightly away from the surface to be covered by applying transverse tension to the cover and lift them from the side adjacent to the surface (3) and opposite the protrusion to form an angle between the wing (6a) and the protrusion and to be able to slide it out from under the wing to release the discrete elements.

• une roue d'entraînement (9) dont l'axe de rotation est parallèle à celui du tambour (2);
• au moins une roulette avale (33av) et une roulette amont (33am) reposant sur les rails (6) ou sur une surface adjacente aux rails, et permettant la translation longitudinale du chariot (21). La roulette avale (33av) est montées en aval de la roue d'entraînement et la roulette amont (33am) en amont de la roue d'entraînement (9) dans la première direction de déplacement, et constituant avec celle-ci un triangle de préférence sensiblement isocèle dont la roue d'entraînement (9) forme un sommet supérieur.

As shown in Figures 1(a) & 1(b) and 10(a) & 10(b) , the displacement mechanism preferably comprises a carriage (21) mounted on the rails (6) and transversely overhanging the surface (3) to be covered and supporting the drum (2) comprising at each of its ends:

• a drive wheel (9) whose axis of rotation is parallel to that of the drum (2);
• at least one downstream roller (33av) and one upstream roller (33am) resting on the rails (6) or on a surface adjacent to the rails, and allowing the longitudinal translation of the carriage (21). The downstream roller (33av) is mounted downstream of the driving wheel and the upstream roller (33am) upstream of the driving wheel (9) in the first direction of displacement, and constituting therewith a preferably substantially isosceles triangle of which the drive wheel (9) forms an upper vertex.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used in relation to the movement of the drum in the first direction allowing the deployment of the cover on the surface. The surface portion located upstream of the drum is already covered by the cover, while the surface portion located downstream of the drum is not yet. As seen on the Figures 4 to 8 , if the upstream and downstream rollers (33am, 33av) rest on the rails (6), it is not necessarily, and preferably not in the opening (14), but adjacent to the opening, in order to avoid that the upstream roller (33av) does not roll on the discrete elements engaged in the opening.

Movement of the drum along a surface to be covered or uncovered generally occurs at a constant speed. The drive wheels (9) must therefore rotate at a substantially constant speed of rotation. However, especially for surfaces with large longitudinal dimensions, the outer diameters of the drum when the cover is deployed or withdrawn can vary considerably. Since the deployment/retraction speed of the cover depends on the rotational speed of the driving wheels (which generally remains constant) and since the outside diameter of the drum varies with the portion of cover rolled up on it, it follows that the drum and the drive wheels (9) cannot rotate at the same speed. For small covers, it is possible to compensate for speed differences by pulling on the cover. For covers of larger longitudinal dimensions, such as for a swimming pool or a trailer of a semi-trailer, it is necessary to provide means for modifying the relative speed of rotation between the drum for winding/unwinding the cover and the axis of rotation of the drive wheels (9). These means may include a spiral spring placed inside the drum (2) making it possible to compensate for the difference between the speed of rotation of the drive wheels, which must remain substantially constant, and the speed of rotation of the drum, which varies with the outer diameter of the drum as the blanket is rolled up/unrolled. As described above, during the deployment of the cover, the drum rotates spontaneously due to the tension created by the cover which is fixed to the upstream transverse end of the surface to be covered. If the spiral spring is stretched during the deployment of the cover (10) on the surface, it is not necessary to motorize the rotation of the drum either when picking up and rewinding the cover around the drum, the rotation of which is driven by the detent of the spiral spring. This system is very advantageous because it does not require a second motor or a system of gears or electronic control to turn the drum at the correct speed.

1. (a) étant disposée dans l'ouverture (14) des rails (6) dans les sections latérales (31a) comprises entre un point de fixation (35) et la roulette (33) la plus proche dudit point de fixation, et
2. (b) coiffant sans glissement la roue d'entraînement (9) dans la section centrale (31b) comprise entre les deux roulettes (33).

In a preferred variation of the translation mechanism illustrated in Figures 1(a) and 10(a) , the translation mechanism comprises two flexible belts (31) fixed only at each of their ends (35) to the four corners of the surface to be covered, each of the two belts (31):

1. (a) being disposed in the opening (14) of the rails (6) in the lateral sections (31a) between a fixing point (35) and the wheel (33) closest to said fixing point, and
2. (b) capping without slipping the drive wheel (9) in the central section (31b) between the two rollers (33).

The portions of belts introduced into the lateral section (31a) located upstream of the upstream roller (33am), ie, between the upstream roller and the upstream transverse end of the surface are preferably introduced into the opening in a space comprised between the discrete elements (12d) and a transverse wall opposite the surface to be covered, allowing the discrete elements to be locked even more in the opening of the rail, as illustrated in the variant of the Figures 5(a) to 5(c) . Such a variant is very interesting because flexible belts perform multiple functions. First of all, they allow the carriage to be moved along the rails. As the angular segment of the drive wheel (9) covered by a flexible belt (31) as described above is much greater than that covered by a straight rack, for example placed at the bottom of the rail, the risks of slipping of a drive wheel are considerably reduced. Such slipping of a drive wheel would cause the carriage to cross and the system to jam. A second advantage of such a system is that between the carriage and the corners (35) of the surface to be covered, the opening (14) is closed off by the belt (31) which is inserted into the rail in its two sections (31a) upstream and downstream of the drum, and the belt is in contact with the discrete elements in the sections (31a) located upstream of the upstream rollers (33am). This makes it possible to reduce the entry of foreign bodies into the rails, such as dust, gravel, twigs, etc., and also to prevent a person from getting their toe stuck in them, for example in the case of a swimming pool . Finally, and this relates more particularly to the present invention, the straps make it possible to lock the discrete elements in the opening of the corresponding rails as the discrete elements (12d) are introduced into the opening of the rail, as discussed in compared to Figures 5(a) to 5(c) .

In an alternative translation mechanism variant illustrated in Figures 1(b), 1(c) and 10(b) , the translation mechanism includes the following elements. Two flexible belts (31d) coat the upstream and downstream rollers (33am, 33av) as well as the drive wheel (9) without slipping. Each flexible belt comprises an inner face and an outer face separated from the inner face by a thickness of the belts, the outer face of each flexible belt is cogged and the inner face of each flexible belt is either cogged or textured. The inner surface of each flexible belt caps without slipping the upstream and downstream wheels (33am, 33av) as well as the drive wheel (9).

Two racks (31c) are arranged along the longitudinal edges and parallel to, in some cases in the opening (14) of each rail (6). The crenellated outer surface of a portion of each of the flexible belts between the corresponding downstream roller (33av) and upstream roller (33am) engages in the corresponding rack. The rotation of the driving wheels causes the rotation of the flexible belts thus moving the drum by meshing in the racks which are fixed. One could also contact the drive wheels directly with the racks, but the contact surface between the gear of the drive wheels with the racks is much smaller than with the solution of flexible belts described above, thus avoiding sliding which would put the drum askew in relation to the rails and block the operation of the device.

1. (a) un bassin rempli ou non d'un liquide tel qu'une piscine, un bassin de rétention, de traitement ou de désalinisation des eaux ;
2. (b) un terrain de sports, tel un terrain de tennis ou de cricket ;
3. (c) une caisse de véhicule, telle une remorque,
4. (d) une surface vitrée telle une serre, un jardin d'hiver ou une fenêtre de véhicule.

A covering device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for covering surfaces such as:

1. (a) a basin filled or not with a liquid such as a swimming pool, a retention basin, water treatment or desalination;
2. (b) a sports ground, such as a tennis court or cricket court;
3. (c) a vehicle body, such as a trailer,
4. (d) a glazed surface such as a greenhouse, conservatory or vehicle window.

1. (a) le tambour (2) se trouve à l'extrémité amont de la surface à couvrir, avec un second bord transversal de la couverture étant fixé à l'extrémité transversale amont de la surface et le reste de la couverture étant enroulé autour du tambour,
2. (b) déplacer le tambour dans la première direction au-dessus de la surface à couvrir le long des rails (6), et ainsi dérouler du tambour la couverture qui se déploie sur la portion de surface en amont du tambour et, en même temps, guider et maintenir l'élément en saillie (12, 12d) de chaque bord longitudinal de la couverture vis-à-vis de l'ouverture (14) du rail (6) correspondant au fur et à mesure que le tambour avance,
3. (c) mettre en contact l'élément en saillie avec l'élément de verrouillage dans l'ouverture (14) du rail et verrouiller l'élément en saillie au rail.

With the device according to the present invention, a surface (3) can be covered by a cover (10) very simply in the following way:

1. (a) the drum (2) is at the upstream end of the surface to be covered, with a second transverse edge of the cover being attached to the upstream transverse end of the surface and the remainder of the cover being wrapped around the drum,
2. (b) moving the drum in the first direction above the surface to be covered along the rails (6), and thus unrolling from the drum the cover which unfolds on the surface portion upstream of the drum and, at the same time , guiding and holding the projecting element (12, 12d) of each longitudinal edge of the cover vis-à-vis the opening (14) of the corresponding rail (6) as the drum advances,
3. (c) contacting the protruding element with the locking element in the opening (14) of the rail and locking the protruding element to the rail.

In a cover device as described above, the longitudinal edges of the cover are firmly interlocked thus providing increased security, especially in the case of basins, filled or not with water or other liquid. This also makes it possible to achieve a high degree of tightness between the volume defined under the cover and the volume defined above the cover. This makes it possible, again in the case of pools, to greatly limit the evaporation of water and chemicals, such as chlorine. This also helps to pressurize the defined volume under the blanket. In order to achieve this locking of the longitudinal edges of the cover, the discrete elements are subjected to numerous mechanical stresses in torsion, tension and even compression when they pass through the various bearings and pulleys, which can cause their wear and even their breakup. In this case, unlike a worn or damaged continuous bead, the damaged discrete elements can be changed easily.

Claims (12)

1. Device (1) for covering a surface (3) comprising:

   (a) A substantially rectangular cover (10) with two longitudinal edges opposite one another and two transverse edges opposite one another, each longitudinal edge being provided with a projecting element (12, 12d) extending along said edge,

   (b) a drum (2) of radius (R) that is mounted in rotation and is designed to roll up and unroll the cover (10), said drum (2) being mounted on a longitudinal translation mechanism along rails (6) arranged on both sides of said surface (3), each of which is made of a section with an opening (14) on one of the faces thereof that is oriented away from the surface to be covered, and being provided with a locking element (6a, 6c), said translation mechanism enabling the longitudinal translational movement of the drum in a first direction to unroll and deploy the cover over the surface (3) to be covered, and in a second direction to roll up and withdraw the cover from said surface (3),

   (c) a deflection pulley (13) provided on each side of the surface to be covered to guide and position said projecting element (12, 12d) of each longitudinal edge of the cover opposite the opening (14) of the corresponding rail (6) during translational movement of the drum in the first direction to unroll the cover,

   (d) a continuous locking system for locking the projecting element (12, 12b) of the longitudinal edges of the cover (10) in the opening (14) of said rails (6), enabling the projecting element to be locked with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the corresponding rail, once the projecting element has been engaged in the opening (14) and as the cover (10) is unrolled, and the projecting element to be released by disengaging from the locking element (6a, 6c) during translational movement of the drum in the second direction and as the cover is rolled up,

   characterized in that the projecting element of each longitudinal edge of the cover includes a multitude of discrete elements (12d) distributed along each longitudinal edge, and in that

   • the discrete elements (12d) have an average length (L) and are arranged side by side along the corresponding longitudinal edge, separated from one another by an average distance (d) that is equal to or greater than 0 and is preferably less than L, forming projecting units of average length (Lu = L + d), in which the average length (L) and average distance (d) are measured parallel to the rails (6) when the cover is deployed,

   • each discrete element has a mechanical flexural rigidity at least two times greater than the mechanical flexural rigidity of the cover, and

   • the average length (Lu) of the projecting units does not exceed 2 π R / N, in which N ≥ 10 is a real number.
2. Device according to Claim 1, in which

   • the locking element has a flange (6a) partially closing the side of the opening (14) of each rail (6) adjacent to the surface to be covered, and

   • each discrete element (12d) forms a hook with an L-shaped or J-shaped profile, having

   o a portion continuously aligned with the surface of the cover and fastened to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the cover, and

   o a transverse portion forming the hook, extending transversely in relation to the aligned portion

   the hook being designed to hook the flange (6a).
3. Device according to Claim 1, in which

   • the locking element includes one or more magnets (6c) positioned in the opening of each rail (6), and

   • each discrete element (12d) has at least one ferromagnetic portion designed to face and be attracted to one or more magnets when a discrete element is inserted in the opening (14) of said rails (6).
4. Device according to Claim 1, in which

   • the locking element has a flange (6a) partially closing the side of the opening (14) of each rail (6) opposite the surface to be covered, and

   • each discrete element (12d) has a protrusion (12p) that extends away from the cover (10) and is aligned with the cover (10), the protrusion being designed to slide beneath the flange (6a) when a discrete element (12d) is inserted in the opening (14) of said rails (6).
5. Device according to Claim 1, in which the locking element and the discrete elements form a snap-fit assembly system comprising a protrusion snap-fitted into a recess when a discrete element (12d) is inserted into the opening (14) of said rails (6).
6. Device according to Claim 2, in which the locking system also includes two flexible belts (31) each of which can,

   • during translational movement of the drum in the first direction and as the cover (10) is unrolled, be laid in the opening (14) of the corresponding rail once the discrete elements (12d) have been engaged and wedged in the opening of the rail, and

   • during translational movement of the drum in the second direction, be removed from said opening (14), thereby releasing the discrete elements and enabling said discrete elements to be disengaged from the corresponding rail as the cover is rolled up.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the translation mechanism includes a trolley (21) that is mounted on the rails (6), that transversely overhangs the surface (3) to be covered, that carries the drum (2), and that includes the following at each of the ends thereof:

   • a drive wheel (9) with a rotary shaft parallel to the rotary shaft of said drum (2);

   • at least one downstream caster (33av) and one upstream caster (33am) resting on the rails (6) or on a surface adjacent to the rails, enabling the longitudinal translational movement of the trolley (21), in which the former is mounted downstream and the latter is mounted upstream of the drive wheel (9) in the first direction of movement, thereby forming a triangle of which the drive wheel (9) is the upper apex.
8. Device according to Claim 7, in which the downstream caster (33av) and the upstream caster (33am) rest on the corresponding rail (6) and in which the translation mechanism includes two flexible belts (31) fastened only at each of the ends (35) thereof to the four corners of the surface to be covered, and extend along the longitudinal edges of the surface to be covered in the following manner:

   • the flexible belts are positioned in the opening (14) of the rails (6) in the lateral sections (31a) between a fastening point (35) and the caster (33av, 33am) closest to said fastening point, thereby locking the discrete elements (12d) inserted into the opening (14) in the lateral section (31a) containing the downstream caster (33av),

   • the flexible belts grip the drive wheel (9) in the central section (31b) between the two casters (33av, 33am).
9. Device according to Claim 7, in which the translation mechanism includes:

   • two flexible belts (31d) including an inner face and an outer face separated from the inner face by a thickness of the belts, both the inner and outer faces of each flexible belt being notched, the inner surface of each flexible belt gripping the upstream and downstream casters (33am, 33av) as well as the drive wheel (9), and

   • two gear racks (31c) arranged along the longitudinal edges and parallel to the opening (14) of each rail (6), preferably inside said opening, the outer surface of a portion of each of the flexible belts between the corresponding downstream caster (33av) and the corresponding upstream caster (33am) meshing with the corresponding gear rack.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, also including an engagement shoe (50) of the projecting element, inserted slidingly in each rail, upstream of the deflection pulleys (13) in the first direction of translational movement, said engagement shoe being designed to bring the projecting element into contact with the locking element (6a, 6c) of the corresponding rail (6) to lock the projecting element in the opening of the rail.
11. Use of a device according to any one of the preceding claims to cover a surface (3) selected from:

    • a pool filled or otherwise with a liquid, such as a swimming pool, or a water retention, treatment or desalination pool,

    • a sports field, such as a tennis court or cricket pitch,

    • a vehicle body,

    • a glazed surface such as a greenhouse, a conservatory or a window of a vehicle.
12. Method for covering a surface (3) with a cover (10) using a covering device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which:

    (a) the drum (2) is at an upstream end of the surface to be covered, with one transverse edge of the cover being fastened to this upstream transverse end of the surface and the remainder of the cover being rolled about the drum,

    (b) moving the drum in a first direction above the surface to be covered along the rails (6), thereby unrolling the cover from the drum and deploying the cover on the surface portion upstream of the drum, while simultaneously guiding and holding the projecting element (12, 12d) of each longitudinal edge of the cover opposite the opening (14) of the corresponding rail (6) as the drum moves forward,

    (c) bringing the projecting element into contact with the locking element in the opening (14) of the rail and locking the projecting element to the rail.

Images